By Usha Muthusamy
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 July 2025: The federal government has allocated RM50 million this year for the maintenance and upgrading of non-Islamic places of worship (RIBI) across Malaysia. This initiative, introduced under the 2025 Budget, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and ensuring comfortable worship facilities for all communities.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced the allocation, emphasizing that the funds aim to ensure temples, churches, and other non-Islamic religious sites remain well-maintained. Speaking at a grant presentation ceremony held at the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia in Petagas, Sabah, Minister Nga detailed that as of July 7, RM2.7 million had already been approved for 15 RIBI organizations within Sabah, with additional applications currently under review.
Minister Nga also noted that his ministry had approved RM4.81 million last year for 35 RIBI organizations nationwide to undertake similar maintenance and upgrading works. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to preserving Malaysia’s multi-faith society, assuring that the allocation would be implemented with professionalism, efficiency, and full transparency. “No one will be left behind,” Minister Nga stated, stressing the objective to distribute these funds fairly and equitably to those most in need.
This ongoing financial support reflects the federal government’s continued efforts to promote inclusivity and mutual respect among Malaysia’s diverse religious communities by investing in the spiritual well-being of its citizens.
